Opel Zaragoza Workers Go on Strike

As hinted earlier today, Opel workers from the Zaragoza plant in Spain decided to go on strike as a mean of expressing their disapproval of Magna's plan for the facility, its workers and the cars it produces. They will hold four one-day strikes, on October 28, October 30, November 3 and November 5.

"We want to tell GM and Magna that they have to modify their plan in accordance with the size and history of the plant," Jose Juan Arceiz, the plant's union boss told Autonews. The plant, the largest in Opel's portfolio, manufacturers the Corsa, Meriva and Combe models.

The workers disapprove of Magna's plan to cut in between 1,300 and 1,650 jobs (around 18 percent of the staff). In addition, most of the production being done here is set to be shifted to Germany (at least 70 percent, or 12,000 vehicles a year). As a concession, Magna said it would agree with the possibility to return Corsa production to Spain, but no sooner than 2013 and at some 72 percent of the current capacity.

According to the Spanish government, a solution is still possible and Spanish officials will work to find common ground. However, it is obvious the workers have prepared for a long standoff, somewhat putting to rest hopes that a definitive agreement can be reached by this Friday.

GM's board is set to meet today and try to find solutions to what they consider to be the most stringent matter, EU's accusations of Magna breaking the Union's competition laws.

Developments are expected throughout the week, so keep an eye out for more info.